SANTA FE SPRINGS — It’s not easy being a teenager but you don’t have to use your words to hurt others or put people down to get respect. That was part of the message Keith Hawkins, an inspirational speaker, delivered Tuesday to about 2,600 Santa Fe High School students in two sessions.

The assembly was part of Santa Fe Springs’ 23rd annual Diversity Summit program, which began in response to the Rodney King beating by LAPD officers. Hawkins is scheduled to speak today at St. Paul High School and Santa Fe Christian School as part of the same program.

“We’re promoting tolerance – everything that relates to the hot-button issues at the school,” said Rick Brown, program coordinator for the family and intervention program for the city that sponsors the program.

“We want to get kids to think of better ways to deal with those items that create a better environment,” Brown said.

The students liked Hawkins’ message.

“It was great,” said Jacob Amaya, a sophomore. “The sheer power of it really hits home. “

Matthew Juarez, another sophomore, called the presentation “intriguing. “

“I liked what he said about school being important,” Juarez said. “When I was young, I didn’t think school was very important in life. After listening to him and all that he’s accomplished I figure school could be a benefit. “

Celina Janes, a senior, said Hawkins offered a lot of (good) information.

In his nearly hour-long speech, Hawkins talked about his own life, and also incidents that have happened in his other presentations – all focused on the students at Santa Fe.

“I do agree with you,” he said. “It’s not easy coming to school and not easy being a teenager. Sometimes, we forget about what’s most important and about our dreams and we lose hope and stop caring. “

But you don’t have to give in to fear and you can have hope, he said.

“Be good to each other,” Hawkins said. “Be cool to each other. That should be a habit when you go out of here today. “

He told the students that he isn’t smarter than them but is older, more experienced and knows more.

The same goes for their teachers and other adults at the school, he said.

“The people in this room know more than you and they can help you,” Hawkins said. “But you have to be willing to follow what they say. “